McCarthy officially joins Democratic field to succeed McEneny

As has been long anticipated, William J. McCarthy Jr. has joined the crowded Democratic field for the 109th Assembly District.

McCarthy, 30, of Albany, is on unpaid leave from his job as an assistant attorney general, to run.

That makes McCarthy the fourth Democrat officially in the race — in addition to Pat Fahy, Chris Higgins and Margarita Perez — with at least one other, Frank Commisso Jr., still weighing whether to get in. All four are from the city.

As previously reported, Frank Commisso (the elder), Bryan Clenahan and Ken Runion are all out.

“Our future is now. I will bring a fresh, independent perspective to the Assembly, and by working with Governor Andrew Cuomo we can bring long-overdue and necessary change for New Yorkers,” McCarthy said in a press release, the full text of which you can read below the jump.

Prior to working for the attorney general’s office, McCarthy worked at the law firm Couch White, LLP.

Petitioning begins next week. Each Democrat will need 500 original Democratic signatures from the district — which includes parts of Albany as well as Guilderland, Bethlehem and New Scotland — to get on the ballot.

Bringing New Energy, New Ideas, and New Jobs to the People of New York

(Albany, NY) – Promising to bring new energy, new ideas and new jobs to the people of New York, William J. McCarthy, Jr. today launched his campaign for the 109th New York State Assembly District. A native of the capital region, McCarthy’s extensive public and private sector experience working on behalf of New Yorkers will help to change the status quo in Albany once he is elected.

“Our future is now. I will bring a fresh, independent perspective to the Assembly, and by working with Governor Andrew Cuomo we can bring long-overdue and necessary change for New Yorkers,” said McCarthy.

“Throughout my career in both the public and private sectors, I have fought to protect taxpayer dollars and to ensure that businesses stay in New York. This experience has provided me with the tools necessary to fight in the Assembly for increased education aid to local school districts, advocate for the reduction of unfunded mandates that lead to increased property taxes and bring about new ideas for the creation of jobs in the Capital Region,” McCarthy added.

As part of his announcement, McCarthy laid out his agenda as a candidate for state assembly:

– Fight to control and lower property taxes for homeowners;

– Enact newincentive program with tax credits for first time homebuyers;

– Create additional partnerships with the local colleges/community colleges and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering;

– Eliminate unfunded state mandates imposed on localities which result in higher property taxes;

– Secure increased state funding to improve local schools;

– Deliver new state anti-crime funding to support area law enforcement to combat growing problem of violent street crime.

More information about William J. McCarthy, Jr.’s campaign for New York State Assembly can be found at his new campaign website: www.mccarthy4assembly.com

During his years working as an attorney in both the public and private sectors, William has fought to protect taxpayers against frivolous and meritless lawsuits. He has also worked to ensure that businesses were provided reasonable energy costs, keeping a significant number of jobs in the Capital Region and New York.

Prior to taking an unpaid leave, McCarthy served as an Assistant Attorney General to New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. As an Assistant Attorney General, McCarthy represented the State of New York, its agencies, and its officers in both state and federal courts defending claims of violations of constitutional rights, Article 78 proceedings, and other litigated matters arising out of state operations and legislation.

Prior to serving in the AG’s office, McCarthy worked as an Associate at the Albany-based Couch White, LLP in their nationally-recognized energy group. As an Associate at Couch White, LLP, McCarthy represented clients before state and federal agencies, including the New York State Public Service Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. McCarthy also advised and assisted clients in project siting, rate cases, litigation and regulatory compliance.

McCarthy was born in the city of Albany, attended Public School 19, Albany Academy, and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). After completing his Bachelor of Science degree from RPI, he attended Albany Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2006.

Following law school, McCarthy served as a Court Attorney for a New York City Civil Court Judge. As a Court Attorney, McCarthy served in a confidential capacity to a Judge of the New York City Civil Court and, in doing so, assisted her in all legal matters raised in cases heard in trial courts.

I think William is confused: this is the Democratic Primary. If Billy wants to jump into politics it would be more appropriate to primary Danz in September.

The headline of McCarthy’s announcement reads: “Bringing New Energy, New Ideas, and New Jobs to the People of New York.” Then the body of the announcement proceeds to lull the reader to sleep with ideas that are neither energetic or new and in language that is beyond bland.

Could the candidate find something actually compelling to bring to the attention of voters?

My guess is that we will likely continue to hear empty platitudes about “frivolous and meritless lawsuits,” “unfunded state mandates,” and “keeping a significant number of jobs in the Capital Region and New York” with no explanation (read: policy) for as to how these have been, and how going forward they will be, accomplished.

Certainly not my guy. What we really don’t need is another lawyer in the legislature. He also would do well to put a few years of service in the community. It seems like this guy thinks the only qualification needed is a law degree and being a short time resident of the district. He will get his head handed to him by the others in the race.

The tax levy of everyone in the state has gone through the roof under dems but now……now they are for lower taxes. They called republicans anti everything fr wanting lower taxes but now……now they are for lower taxes. But all the other dems are also for lower taxes so its a wash for me. Oh let me not forget Pataki.

But the Grand Ole Punters are not around to challenge so the dems could take any rep idea as their own.

This guy hasn’t attended a single neighborhood association meeting, worked on any charitable organization, let alone on any local election and he wants to be WHAT? Laughable. Try running for a committee seat first…might have trouble with that though.

What a fantastic background; Only five years of real world experience with some of that on unpaid leave – simply impressive. Is this for real or does William just really need a paycheck right now? I think I remember this guy used to be in a street gang in Albany called 4-1. Unemployed and street gang experience – it looks like William has alot in common with many of his target demographics.

We will have a candidate who will be heavily backed by his brother’s firm- Pat Lynch and Associates, his clients and all the Republicans his brother got under George Pataki and Bill Powers. I think we are on to it..but as a Democrat? Please!

I am supporting Chris Higgins as over the years of his representation of my current neighborhood, I have had the opportunity to meet Chris and actually see him in action. I volunteer on his campaign for Aseembly and must say his energy is contagious. Mr. McCarthy is a Republican posing as a Democrat. I walk the streets of the 109th district on behalf of Mr. Higgins and I think it is fair to say that 75% of the McCarthy signs I see are on the lawns of Republicans. I give Junior credit for trying to run under his father’s name recognition. Fahy wants it but all it takes is one conversation with her to know she will not be an effective advocate. It is either her way or she will talk until you walk away. Higgins is an elected official and also worked for the Senate. He understands what is needed to get upstate NY what we need. Junior needs to take a step back and recognize that the sins of his father will eventually catch up with him. Perhaps someone should ask the other Commisso son what he thinks of his family’s politics. I bet he would give an earful to the right person. Albany needs new names — an ability to accept and support someone whose last name is not Breslin, Lynch, and now Commisso. We are fortunate to have a choice this September rather than a ballot whereby you must write-in a candidate for the sole purpose of expressing concern for lack of a choice. This time around, we have choices. Everyone will get on the ballot. On September 13, I urge all of you to vote for Chris Higgins. If you have doubts, he is at his headquarters located at 791 Madison Avenue.